Under-21s fall to defeat at Selhurst

Our Under-21s endured a frustrating afternoon at Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon as they fell to a 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in the Premier League 2.

A first-half hat-trick from John-Kymani Gordon saw Palace claim all three points in south London, but we did have our chances in the match – Kallum Cesay fired a fierce effort off the upright in the first half before Harvey White and Romaine Mundle both tested goalkeeper Owen Goodman.

Our hosts set out their stall from the opening minutes with a intensive high press, and it was that tactic which paid off for their opening goal as Gordon picked up a misplaced pass, drove towards goal, played a neat one-two with David Omilabu before finishing at the near post.

We responded well to that though and almost levelled soon after as Cesay struck Goodman’s left-hand post from just outside the area. However, on 31 minutes, our task got even greater as Palace doubled their lead. Omilabu and Gordon combined once more for the goal with the former cutting the ball back across the box before the latter sent it home on the half-volley.

We again though had a chance to get ourselves into the game in the minutes that followed as clever thinking from Harvey White saw him claim the ball off the toes of Sean Grehan on the edge of the box to set up an opportunity on goal. However, ‘keeper Goodman was alert to the danger and raced quickly off his line to thwart the midfielder.

Come the 41^st minute though, Palace’s clinical nature came to the fore once more as they scored their third. Again it was through their high press with David Azoh cutting out Ashcroft’s clearance and playing in Victor Akinwale with his first touch. Spinning and striking in the box, Aaron Maguire managed to parry Akinwale's instant effort away, but only into the path of the on-running Gordon, who tapped home to complete his hat-trick.

A final chance of the opening period then came for us via Jamie Donley but, after being played in by Yago Santiago, he sent his effort from the channel the wrong side of the right-hand post. After the break, we continued to be positive on the front foot and again went close to getting on the scoresheet with Nile John twice dragging wide from range.

The closet we came to getting a consolation as the game entered its final stages was from the right boot of Romaine Mundle who struck firmly from range but he was denied by the reflexes of Goodman as the goalkeeper managed to get his fingertips to the effort and turn it over the crossbar.

Match data

Goals: Palace – Gordon 6, 31, 41.

Yellow cards: Palace – Wells-Morrison, Balmer; Spurs – Craig.

Venue: Selhurst Park

Weather: Sunny, 24 degrees.